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So get four friends together and what do they end up talking about? Sex, love and the philosophy of life is the answer in Soul: ID’s case (is that what most folks do?). And when your four friends are all musicians, into Jill Scott, Sa-Ra, D’Angelo and Platinum Pied Pipers, the next logical step is to make an album about it. That’s exactly what the quartet called Soul:ID did with a the concept (“Afropean Soul”) that reflects their goal of today’s African and Afro-Europeans overcoming ethnic, social and economical barriers while promoting positive messages and images of what functioning multiculturalism can achieve.

That’s some high ideals. Musically it’s a lot simpler, think Sa-Ra (with a girl vocalist) mixed up with Electric Conversation, Kindred Spirit and a load of old skool soul influences (especially Stevie Wonder) and not only have you got a sound that’s exceptional - it actually sounds like Soul:ID.

Soul:ID were labelled ‘Ambassadors of Peace’ after being the first urban act to play in Rwanda and since then toured with world-rhythm pioneer Zap Mama throughout Europe, headlined the legendary Jazz Café in London, and individually worked with artists like Wyclef Jean, Robert Palmer, Youssou N’Dour and Craig David.

Perhpas that’s why ‘Whatcha Lookin For’ is a bit Craig David on the vocal/lyrical content but that’s fine as the ‘Sex, Love & Philosophy’ has a wicked downtempo Majeski Martin & Woods goes beats feel to it; I can’t believe they didn’t think that this should have been a longer track.

Tchaï is takes the lead vocals on quite a few tracks where she steals the show but the production is more than just a one man/girl show; Urban Deep is the main producer but Dad’D joins in and sings along with V.

Just to prove the point, ‘Oh, Oh, Oh’ is more of a double act on vocals and love the jazzy guitar and horn burst. And whilst the Fender Rhodes was out of vogue a little while ago, if you heard ‘Tender’ you’ll find them at a S. Wonder best - Oh! Sunday night soul sessions are back on then?

That said, there’s not much I can say to critcise this album in a bad way but there’s a couple of health warnings of sorts. The “Afropean” label doesn’t work for me so I’d skip track one as it set me off on the wrong frame of mind (this is a really good album after all).

And, I can’t actually believe I’m saying this but their cover of ‘True’ is awesome. What the Spandau Ballet hit ‘True’ with the sax solo voted the most annoying sax solo in pop? Yep that’s the one! Spandau started out as a really hip band early on in their careers but ‘True’ was their commercial high point and least loved around these parts. So even more incredible that his sounds so good (no sax solo needless to say) and as Mr. Peterson was saying last week on his show (in connection with the best cover version of ‘Teardrops’ there is ever likely to be by Robert Mitchell), it’s rare that a cover version gets you excited - Soul:ID have done it here.

So not only do these lot look good, they’ve got great beats, sexy vocals and a whole positive vibe thing going on! Expect to hear lots more from these guys.

LIVE DATE: 22.10.08 - Soho Revue Bar, London “quality soul with a capital Q”

Reviewed: Soul: ID - Sex, Love & Philosophy (Urban Deeper Underground) Release date: 3rd November 2008
Tracklisting
1. Youth (Intro) (0:50)
2. Believe (Album) (6:07)
3. True (Album) (3:54)
4. Even Though (Album) (4:32)
5. Is This Luv? (Album) (3:48)
6. You Ain’t (Extract) (0:25)
7. My Philosophy (Album) (3:54)
8. How Comes (Album) (3:15)
9. Love Of My Life (Album) (4:57)
10. Leaving You (Album) (4:44)
11. Beauty & Sin (Album) (4:29)
12. Got Me (Interlude) (1:02)
13. Oh, Oh, Oh (Album) (4:56)
14. Tender (Album) (4:39)
15. Last Night’s Definition Of Touch (Interlude) (00:58)
16. Whatcha Lookin For (Album) (03:44)
17. Sex, Love & Philosophy (Outro)

Links
www.soul-id.com
www.myspace.com/soulidmusic
www.abbrecords.com/abbsoul